The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has criticised the government for allegedly failing to implement meaningful reforms in the energy sector despite increasing electricity tariffs and introducing GHC1 fuel levy.
According to him, government has increased electricity tariffs to about 30% without any substantial reform to sustain the sector.
Speaking in an exclusive interview on TV3, Tuesday, May 12, he claimed that government’s main response has rather been repeated increases in utility tariffs.
However, the Minority Leader accused the government of failing to follow through on its reform promises since assuming office.
“But what has the government done since they assumed office? They made huge promises, they have not embarked on any serious reforms.
“They said they will reform the energy sector but unfortunately what they have rather done is to be increasing tariffs. So far, they have increased tariffs from up to 30%,” he added.
He said he had earlier expressed support for genuine reforms at the Electricity Company of Ghana due to his experience with the challenges facing the power sector.
Afenyo-Markin noted that he had advised the Energy Minister shortly after his appointment that reforms were necessary to ensure that electricity consumed by consumers is fully paid for, rather than burdening the state.
“I told the Energy Minister when he was first appointed that with my experience at ECG, I will be the first to support any reform because we need to be serious with reforms at ECG,” he stated.
He argued that improving revenue collection within the energy sector is essential to prevent government funds meant for critical sectors such as education and healthcare from being diverted to settle debts owed Independent Power Producers.
He also criticised the introduction of the GH¢1 fuel levy, popularly referred to as the “dumsor levy,” arguing that consumers are being burdened without visible improvements in the sector.
“If you ask the Energy Minister today, what are the real tangibles, really there is nothing,” Afenyo-Markin asserted.
